Dillonvale discusses purchase of mowers

February 22, 2014

DILLONVALE - The village's water department apparently is preparing for warmer weather, as the purchase of two mowers was discussed at a recent Village Council meeting.

Members also discussed the rehabilitation of a pump and furnace problems in the water department.

Water Superintendent Marty Schrader said a push lawn mower and a riding mower are needed. Some price quotes for the mowers were received last year, it was noted.

Councilwoman Mary Ulczynski said she's in favor of dealing with vendors in Jefferson County.

Councilwoman Trisha Painter plans to talk to the Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission about such purchases, and council decided not to take any action until further information is received.

Schrader reported 30 to 35 more radio meters have to be installed.

He also said the furnace needs to be replaced at the water plant and since the vents are in the ceiling, he suggested the possibility of obtaining electric baseboard heaters to make it more heat-efficient.

It was recommended that quotations be sought for a furnace.

Later in the meeting, the street and sanitation committee reported the furnace at the street department has a broken heat exchanger and needs to be replaced. Three quotes were received, and council member Kelly Watkins will review them. Council authorized Watkins to enter into a contract to replace the street department furnace in an amount not to exceed $1,800.

Officials discussed the pump on well No. 2, which needs upgrades this spring they said. The pumps are 30-40 feet down and because of hard water, over a period of time, the pumping drops off from 220 gallons a minute to 170 gallons. A motion was OK'd to have the the rehabilitation work done by Moodys of Dayton.

The possibility of Internet service for the water department was discussed. The clerk-treasurer is obtaining an estimate from Frontier about telephone and Internet service for that department.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency mandates that reports and test reports be submitted online. Schrader is the only operator on record for the department, and he plans to be off work for a few weeks. All reports will be submitted except for the bacteriological sample, and the water assistant can handle that, it was noted.

Plans were made to call the Ohio EPA to see how to have the village administrator registered before Schrader is off work temporarily.

The water superintendent discussed the road to the Newtown tank, and officials believe the problems could be corrected if a small bulldozer is rented. Rental costs are being sought, and it was noted the village can use the backhoe to dig out the drainage ditch on the side of the road.

Council also discussed the forgiveness policy for water leaks,/high usage. There is nothing in writing, and the village administrator makes the call when it comes to an adjustment on water bills, it was noted.

Schrader said he would like for billing to be every month rather than every two months, and council members said they will discuss the issue later when more information is provided.